MP backs Warm Homes

Caroline Flint gave her backing to the Warm Homes Campaign this week when she visited Freda Caress of Conisbrough.

The campaign run annually by National Energy Action highlights the grants available to help people keep their homes warm.

Said Caroline: “It has been a pleasure to meet Freda Caress, who had a new boiler, central heating and roof insulation installed a year ago thanks to the efforts of Doncaster NHS and Neighbourhood Energy Action.

“I am proud that the Labour Government created backed the Warm Homes Campaign, and introduced Warm Front, which helped over 2,000 households in Don Valley over the past five years to warm their homes. Labour also provided funding so that our local NHS could target vulnerable households. This is not just about keeping bills down; it is also about people staying well during a cold winter.

A WARMER HOME: Caroline and Freda Caress look at her new boiler.

The Don Valley MP is concerned that the Coalition plans to cut the £345million Warm Front budget is to be cut by over two thirds for each of the next two years by the ConDem Coalition.

“I was proud that Labour introduced the Winter Fuel Allowance, and the Warm Front Grants, and that the Warm Homes Campaign was backed by Ed Miliband when he was Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. I will do everything I can to persuade the Coalition Government to continue to support this cause in future years.”

“We know that elderly people in particular are at risk if they live in a cold house or turn their heating off to save money.”

Ms Flint points out that the average saving in energy bills following Warm Front help is £186 per year.